Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (power steering, steering column, rack and pinion).
Mileage when the problem started
Owner reports
Selected complaints filed with NHTSA by 2013 Toyota Corolla owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
The contact owns a 2013 Toyota Corolla. The contact stated that on several occasions while driving at various speeds, the steering wheel became loose while making left and right turns. As a result, the vehicle overturned without warning No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was first taken to the dealer where the alignment was replaced. Additionally, the failure recurred. The vehicle was then taken to several dealers where the cause of the failure could not be determined and the contact was informed that nothing was wrong with the steering. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, but no further assistance was provided. The failure mileage was approximately 176,000.
On Monday, [redacted], I was at the CVS pharmacy drive through when the failure occurred. There was no accident and otherwise no warning before it happened. I attempted to pull out when I noticed the car was drifting and the steering was extremely stiff. I looked down to see that the airbag light and BRAKE light were both on. I coasted into a spot I happened to be aligned with. As I did, I felt the brakes and steering stiffen even more until they were almost 100% seized. (Kind of felt like I was fighting hydraulic fluid.) You guys are welcome to request to inspect the vehicle. I haven't been able to get it inspected, because the Toyota dealership wants me to pay a diagnostic fee to prove the airbag light came on due to the airbag assembly for them to be able to cover the work under the extended warranty for the airbag system. There was no accident. …
Tl* the contact owns a 2013 Toyota Corolla. While driving approximately 35 MPH, the steering lost power and caused the vehicle to veer left. As a result, the vehicle crashed into a guardrail and traveled down an embankment. The front driver's side of the vehicle was damaged. The air bags did not deploy. A police report was filed. The driver sustained injuries that required medical attention. The vehicle was towed to a tow yard. The contact did not know if the vehicle was totaled. The dealer was not called. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and provided the contact with a case number. The failure mileage was approximately 40,140.
Lately about two weeks ago while coming home from grocery shopping car suddenly showing the signals and steering wheel getting jammed. I was pull over to the curbside and checked nothing abnormal is found. It was hard to steering wheel to maneuver right and left, specially at the park position and slow speed turning. I went to my local repair shop and see what happens, mechanic explain might be problem with the steering rack in pinion. I was installed but still showing the warning signs and nothing got better.. Mechanic failed to fixed the problem and reimburse the money.. Queens jamaica ny. City streets. Consumer stated vehicle was taken to local dealer and was repaired.
Tl* the contact owns a 2013 Toyota Corolla. The contact stated that the steering wheel was loose when turned in either direction. The contact had to grip the steering wheel tightly to maintain control. The dealer was notified of the failure several times and only adjusted the steering wheel, but the failure continued. The vehicle was also taken to a repair shop where an alignment was performed. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified. The VIN was not available. The approximate failure mileage was 36,000.
2013 Toyota Corolla wanders at highway speeds. It is very difficult to keep the vehicle moving straight down the road. Scarry to drive on a two lane highway next to a rig due to swaying and instability .correction in the steering wheel results in the vehicle drifting into the adjacent lanes. This steering issue makes the car unsafe at highway speeds. The alignment on the vehicle was checked and is all within tolerances. The tires are brand new and properly inflated
Tl* the contact owns a 2013 Toyota Corolla. While driving 75 MPH and attempting to make a right turn off the highway, the steering wheel became difficult to turn and seized. The contact engaged the brakes, but lost control of the vehicle and drove through a field. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the issue. The failure mileage was 40,000.
Tl* the contact owns a 2013 Toyota Corolla. While driving 30 MPH, the power steering failed without warning. The vehicle became difficult to control and caused the contact to crash into another vehicle. There were no injuries. The dealer was unable to duplicate the failure. The vehicle was not repaired and the manufacturer was notified. The failure mileage was 3,500.
While attempting to make a sharp right turn from a stationary position the steering wheel locked in place for a few seconds and freed up only after wrestling with it several seconds. Also, on the highway the car seems to weave left or right at any given moment. This car has the electric steering system. The steering wheel locking also happened approx. On 12/15/18
Difficult to steer at highway speeds. The vehicle pulls to the left and it's terrifying trying to drive even short distances on the highway or surface streets with an elevated MPH value. If I do not actively keep my steering wheel turning towards the right, I will surely crash into a vehicle in the next lane. Extremely unsafe!
Steering complaints in other Corolla years
Frequently asked questions
How common are steering problems on the 2013 Toyota Corolla?
NHTSA has 39 complaints about the steering of the 2013 Toyota Corolla, 19% of the model year's 201 complaints. The component named most often is steering wheel/handle bar (1 mentions).
Is there a recall for 2013 Toyota Corolla steering problems?
No. NHTSA lists no steering recall for the 2013 Toyota Corolla, though it has 5 recalls for other components. If the problem is widespread, a repair may still be covered by an extended warranty or a manufacturer service bulletin — ask a dealer.
At what mileage do 2013 Toyota Corolla steering problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 4,000 miles, and 69% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 2 crashes, 0 fires and 1 injury to steering problems on this model year. If you notice symptoms, have the car checked before driving further.
Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) — owner complaints through October 20, 2026, recalls and defect investigations; fuel economy from the EPA. Complaints are unverified reports and are not proof of a defect. How we rate model years.